Location: Italy, Milan preferred | Other EU locations possible for fluent Italian/English speakers.Relocation + VISA sponsorship to Milan is possible for fluent Italian/English speakersPermanent contract | HybridCompanyA leading global Fintech Unicorn in Payments is hiring a Payment Partnerships Manager to own and expand its local and international payment method portfolio in Italy.This organisation operates one of the most advanced end-to-end payment infrastructures globally, combining payments, data and financial products into a single unified solution. It partners with many of the world's most recognisable digital and retail brands and is known for its strong profitability, direct connections to global card networks and local payment methods, and disciplined international expansion.The RoleYou will join a high-performing, fast-scaling team building the next generation of payment partnerships across EMEA. This role offers significant ownership, visibility and direct economic impact within one of the most advanced global payment platforms.You will own and expand the company's payment method portfolio in Italy and contribute to broader regional initiatives. This is a strategic product-facing role at the intersection of product development and commercial strategy for payment partnershipsYou will act as the strategic owner of Italy's payment ecosystem, evolving the function from reactive integration management to proactive partnership leadership.Important: This is not a sales role, there is no quota and the focus is on structuring partnerships that directly impact margin, scalability and competitive positioning.Approximately 50% of the role focuses on Italy, with the remainder on cross-border projects.Why This Role Is UniqueDirect impact on company margin, not just revenueInfluence over buy-side economics and commercial scalabilityEnd-to-end ownership across product, finance and commercial teamsCountry-level ownership with exposure to international initiativesHigh visibility within a scaling global fintech environmentA rare role that strategically connects product and commercial functionsKey ResponsibilitiesOwn and manage strategic payment partnerships in ItalyBuild and manage senior-level relationships with local payment providersNegotiate multi-year commercial agreements and optimise economic termsDevelop and execute a proactive partnership roadmapDrive cross-functional initiatives from structuring to go-to-marketCollaborate closely with Product (technical roadmap), Sales (merchant strategy), Finance (business cases) and Strategy teamsIdentify new local payment opportunities and market trendsAct as the internal and external expert for assigned payment methodsYour Profile4+ years' experience within the payments industryStrong knowledge of the Italian payments landscapeProven experience negotiating complex partnership agreementsComfortable managing senior internal/external stakeholdersStrategic mindset with strong execution capabilityExcellent communication skillsExperience operating in complex, international environmentsFluent Italian and English speaking/writing proficiencySalary and benefitsThey offer permanent contracts from the start and there has never been a lay-off in the 20 years they are growing the company. This is a great combination of stability and a unicorn fintech work enviornment.The compensation is solid. Some of the secondary benefits: a permanent contract, 80% of your base stock option package, premio, holidays, laptop, travel allowance, relocation package for Internationals, training & conferences, VISA sponsorship, luxury in office lunch, snacks/drinks, work from home setup, etc.Backgrounds from leading payment service providers, schemes, digital wallets or fast-scaling fintechs are particularly relevant.